Paul And Sandy Loftin Named As Co-Chairs For StarNight

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Siskin Children’s Institute has announced that husband and wife team Paul and Sandy Loftin will be the co-chairs for this year’s StarNight gala, which helps support the Institute’s efforts on behalf of the 1,500 children and families it serves annually.

Originating 51 years ago as a fundraiser for the Siskin Foundation’s 365 Club, StarNight has evolved into the premier black-tie event in Chattanooga, officials said. This late summer occasion provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the progress and successes of children of all abilities. As a way of saying “Thank You” to the more than 1,300 attendees, StarNight showcases musical entertainment. The mix of legends and rising stars has included Connie Francis, Tony Bennett, LeAnn Rimes, Hootie and the Blowfish, Sugarland, Boyz II Men, Trisha Yearwood and Kenny Rogers.

“Coming off of such an impressive 50th anniversary StarNight Golden Jubilee with Josh Turner last year, I can’t wait to see how successful StarNight 2013 will be,” said Paul Loftin, president and COO of Siskin Steel and Supply Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Reliance Steel and Aluminum. “My wife Sandy and I are honored to support Siskin Children’s Institute and extremely excited to co-chair the event of the year.”

The Loftins are not strangers to the Siskin family and Chattanooga community. A Kansas native, Mr. Loftin has been employed with Siskin Steel and Supply for seven years. He began his career with Reynolds Aluminum as a part of their college apprenticeship program and has worked in the metals industry for more than 40 years. Most of his career has been in management of steel companies throughout the United States. He is vice chair of the Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association and serves on the boards of the RPC Church, the Spirit of America Foundation and Siskin Children’s Institute. He and his wife Sandy have two daughters: Emily, a junior at UNC Chapel Hill, and Katie, who is a freshman at Gardner-Webb in North Carolina. Additionally, he has two daughters who live out of state. Angie lives in Kansas, and Camille lives in Los Angeles.

The Loftins are two of more than 90 volunteers who will serve on the StarNight planning committee this year.

“Paul and Sandy exemplify what it means to give back,” said John Farrimond, president and CEO of the Institute. “Their humanitarian spirit touches the lives of so many individuals and families. We are grateful and energized by their support of the Institute and for co-chairing this year’s StarNight.”

StarNight has raised more than $2 million over the last 10 years. Proceeds from the event directly benefit children with special needs and their families through Siskin Children’s Institute’s four areas of focus: education, outreach, developmental pediatric health care and research.

Playcore, the Chattanooga-based contractor for the new playground at Collegdale has begun construction. The 7,000-square-foot, handicapped-accessible, ultra modern playground should be finished in mid-June, weather permitting. (click for more)

The keynote speaker for Urban League of Greater Chattanooga’s Third Annual Entrepreneur Power Luncheon will be Kevin Harrington, i nventor of the infomercial, original shark on Shark Tank and as seen on TV Pioneer. Officials said, "Kevin is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time." The luncheon will be on Tuesday, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. ... (click for more)

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam on Tuesday unveiled additions to the FY 2015-2016 budget that will be considered by the General Assembly in the coming weeks, including added funding for K-12. The governor last week met with school superintendents from the largest systems in the state over the issue of state funding for K-12. The next day, the Hamilton County Schools joined ... (click for more)

A city detective who was arrested twice in four months has been fired by Police Chief Fred Fletcher. David Catchings had been charged with DUI last September and then with domestic assault at the end of the year. Police said, "After a complete review of both investigations – which included recommendations from Internal Affairs, the Administrative Review Committee and Officer ... (click for more)

March 30 has been set aside as National Doctors’ Day since 1933 as a time to recognize the contributions made by our physicians. While the recognition is appreciated, our greatest satisfaction comes from caring for our patients. For 132 years, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society has been the physicians’ voice as we worked together to improve health of our community. ... (click for more)

About 51 years ago, right after Jim Creel had graduated from the University of Texas and was in Guadalajara for medical school, he was surprised to find a complete stranger sitting on his battered and dusty Volkswagen. “He had seen my Longhorns sticker and was thrilled to find somebody else in Mexico who loved the University of Texas. “That’s when our friendship started and it ... (click for more)